Beagle 2 has a robotic arm known as the Payload Adjustable Workbench (PAW - geddit?), that will be extended after landing. The PAW contains a pair of stereo cameras, a microscope, a Mössbauer spectrometer[?], an X-ray spectrometer[?], a drill for collecting rock samples and a spotlamp. Rock samples will be passed by the PAW into a mass spectrometer in the body of the lander, which will be used to measure the relative proportions of different isotopes of carbon. Since carbon is thought to be the basis of all life, these readings could reveal whether the sample contains the remnants of living organisms.
In an effort to publicise the project and gain financial support, its designers sought and received the endorsement and participation of British artists. The mission's call-sign was composed by the band Blur, and the test card that will be used to calibrate Beagle 2's cameras after landing was painted by Damien Hirst[?].
Mars Express launched from Baikonur at 17:45 GMT (18:45 BST) on 2 June 2003, and Beagle 2 is expected to touch down at Isidis Planitia[?], a sedimentary basin in Mars' northern hemisphere, on Christmas Day, 2003.
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